Rack for animal cages

ABSTRACT

Implementations of a rack for animal cages are provided. A rack may be comprised of multiple levels stacked together in a vertical orientation. In some implementations, each level of the rack acts as a frame configured to support thereon one or more tubs (i.e., cages). In some implementations, each level of the rack may be comprised of top panels, glides, joint connectors, vertically oriented legs, and cross beams. In some implementations, two glides may be positioned on a level of the rack to support a top panel and tub therebetween. In this way, the glides hold the top panel in position over the tub and thereby prevent an animal from escaping the interior compartment(s) of the tub. In some implementations, a level may be further comprised of a bracket having a lip thereon. In some implementations, the bracket may be used to reinforce the unsupported edges of the top panel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.62/036,650, which was filed on Aug. 13, 2014, and is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to implementations of a rack for animal cages.

BACKGROUND

Cages are routinely used to house small animals. With the increasedpopularity of keeping pet reptiles, there has developed the need toprovide caging which meets their specific environmental needs. Ingeneral, reptiles require an environment with temperatures and humiditylevels greater than what would be comfortable for their human owners.

Reptile caging comes in many forms with some being more suitable thanothers. Some example caging styles include adapting a fish tank for usewith reptiles by adding a specifically designed lid and an artificialheat source, a purpose built vivarium such as the one described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,803,019 to Heilborn et al., and vertical caging systems whichrely on removable/semi-removable tubs. Commercial breeders and somehobbyist prefer vertical caging systems because such systems minimizewasted space and provide for the efficient care and maintenance of theenclosed reptiles.

Numerous vertical caging systems, also referred to as “racks” or “racksystems”, are available on the commercial market. In general, verticalcaging systems rely on a support structure comprised of multiple levelseach of which is configured to support one or more removable tubs thatact as an enclosure. Each tub is at least comprised of a floor havingconnecting side walls. The lid for each tub is typically an integralportion of the support structure configured to receive the tub. Thesupport structure is typically made of stainless steel and requireswelding to complete assembly. Heating elements are typically attached tothe supported structure and positioned underneath the tubs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a bottom perspective view of an exampleimplementation of a level of a rack for animal cages according to theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of an enlarged portion of the level shownin FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a bottom view of an enlarged portion of the levelshown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example glide according to the principles of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example joint connector according to theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example top panel according to the principles ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example implementation of a rack for animal cagesaccording to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the rack for animalcages shown in FIG. 5A.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example bracket according to theprinciples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of a rack for animal cages are provided. In someimplementations, a rack may be comprised of multiple levels stackedtogether in a vertical orientation. In some implementations, each levelof the rack acts as a frame configured to support thereon one or moretubs which act as enclosures. In this way, animals may be housed in therack.

In some implementations, each level of the rack may be comprised ofthree top panels, six glides, four joint connectors, four verticallyoriented legs, and/or four cross beams. In some implementations, eachlevel may be further comprised of at least two brackets. In someimplementations, the vertically oriented legs, cross beams, and jointconnecters form a frame to which the glides and/or brackets are secured.

In some implementations, at least two glides are positioned on a levelof the rack to support a top panel and/or tub therebetween. In this way,the glides hold the top panel in position over the tub and therebyprevent an animal from escaping from the interior compartment(s) of thetub. In some implementations, two glides may be configured andpositioned so that a tub can be removably inserted therebetween. In thisway, a caretaker may access the interior compartment(s) of a tub.

In some implementations, each bracket may have a lip thereon. In someimplementations, the bracket may be secured to the cross beam of a levelof the rack. In some implementations, the bracket may be oriented sothat the lip rest against a portion of the forward edge or rearward edgeof the top panel. In this way, the bracket may be used to reinforce theedges of the top panel not received within the first longitudinal grooveof a glide. This may prevent an animal housed within a tub located belowthe top panel from being able to push up an unsupported edge of the toppanel and thereby escape.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a portion of an example level 110 of a rack 100for animal cages. In some implementations, multiple levels 110 may bestacked together in a vertical orientation to form a complete rack 100(see, e.g., FIG. 5A). In some implementations, each assembled level 110acts as a frame configured to support thereon one or more tubs 105 whichact as enclosures (see, e.g., FIG. 5B). In this way, animals may behoused in the rack 100.

In some implementations, tubs such as those disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/775,604, filed on Feb. 25, 2013, may be usedwith the rack 100 disclosed herein. In some implementations, each tub105 has a generally rectangular shape defined by a floor and fourconnected side walls. In some implementations, a tub 105 may have a lip106 extending from the top surface of each side wall. In someimplementations, a tub 105 may only have a lip 106 extending from thetop surface of two opposing side walls. In some implementations, any tub105 configured and/or capable of being received by the glides 120 may beused with the rack 100 disclosed herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 5A, in some implementations, eachlevel 110 of the rack 100 may be comprised of three top panels 115, sixglides 120, four joint connectors 125, four vertically oriented legs135, and/or four cross beams 130. In some implementations, as shown inFIG. 5A, each level 110 of the rack 100 is configured to be secured toanother level 110 and/or a base frame 190. In some implementations, thebase frame 190 may include casters.

In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 2, a glide 120 may becomprised of an elongated body member 140 comprised of a firstlongitudinal groove 142 and a second longitudinal groove 144.

In some implementations, the first longitudinal groove 142 may becomprised of a first side wall 143 a, a second side wall 143 c, and aback wall 143 b (referred to as side walls 143 collectively) (see, e.g.,FIG. 2). In this way, the side walls 143 form an opening or groove. Insome implementations, the back wall 143 b may be positioned at aperpendicular angle relative to the first side wall 143 a and the secondside wall 143 c. In some implementations, the first side wall 143 aand/or the second side wall 143 c may not extend the entire length ofthe first longitudinal groove 142. In some implementations, the firstlongitudinal groove 142 may only have a first side wall 143 a and asecond side wall 143 c. In some implementations, each of the side walls143 may be of differing length.

In some implementations, the first longitudinal groove 142 may beconfigured to receive a portion of a top panel 115 therein (seem e.g.,FIG. 1C). In some implementations, two glides 120 may be oriented sothat the opening of the first longitudinal groove 142 of each glide 120is facing the other (see, e.g., FIG. 1A). In this way, each side 117 ofthe top panel 115 may be supported therebetween (see, e.g., FIG. 1C). Insome implementations, the top panel 115 may be flexible and therebyremovable by the end user.

In some implementations, the second longitudinal groove 144 may becomprised of a first side wall 145 a, a second side wall 145 c, and aback wall 145 b (referred to as side walls 145 collectively) (see, e.g.,FIG. 2). In this way, the side walls 145 form an opening or groove. Insome implementations, the back wall 145 b may be positioned at aperpendicular angle relative to the first side wall 145 a and the secondside wall 145 c. In some implementations, the second longitudinal groove144 may only have a first side wall 145 a and a second side wall 145 c.In some implementations, each of the side walls 145 may be of differinglength.

In some implementations, the second longitudinal groove 144 may beconfigured to receive a portion of the lip 106 of a tub 105 therein(see, e.g., FIG. 5B). In some implementations, two glides 120 may beoriented so that the opening of the second longitudinal groove 144 ofeach glide 120 is facing the other (see, e.g., FIG. 1C). In this way, atub 105 may be supported therebetween (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A and 5B). Insome implementations, a tub 105 may be slide into and out of the secondlongitudinal groove 144 by the caretaker.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the second side wall 143 cof the first longitudinal groove 142 may be located oppositely of thesecond side wall 145 c of the second longitudinal groove 144. In someimplementations, the second side wall 143 c of the first longitudinalgroove 142 and second side wall 145 c of the second longitudinal groove144 are opposite sides of the same structure (see, e.g., FIG. 2). Insome implementations, the second side wall 143 c of the firstlongitudinal groove 142 and second side wall 145 c of the secondlongitudinal groove 144 are not opposite sides of the same structure

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the body member 140 of theglide 120 may have four openings 148 a, 148 b, 148 c, 148 d (referred toas openings 148 collectively) therethrough. In some implementations, theopenings 148 may be positioned adjacent the top side 150 of the glide120 (see, e.g., FIG. 2). In some implementations, the openings 148 maybe configured to receive a screw, bolt, and/or other fastening devicetherethrough. In this way, by inserting a screw (for example) throughthe openings 148 the glide 120 may be secured to the cross beams 130 ofthe rack 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 5B).

As shown in FIG. 1B, in some implementations, two glides 120 may beplaced so that their backsides are touching. In this position, theopenings 148 c, 148 d of each glide 120 may be in alignment and a screwor other suitable fastener may be used to secured the glides 120together (see, e.g., FIG. 1B).

In some implementations, more than six or less than six glides 120 maybe used on a level 110 of the rack 100. In this way, the number and/orsize of the tubs 105 supported on each level 110 of the rack 100 may bevaried based on user needs.

As shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, a joint connector 125 maybe comprised of four spokes 126 extending from a body portion 127. Insome implementations, there may be more than four or less than fourspokes 126 extending from the body portion 127 of the joint connector125 (e.g., three spokes). In some implementations, each spoke 126 mayhave an interior opening supposed by an X-shaped structure 128 extendingtherethrough (see, e.g., FIG. 3). In this way, the structural strengthof the spoke 126 may be increased while potentially minimizing theoverall weight of the joint connector 125. In some implementations, theinterior opening of each spoke 126 may not have any structure therein.In some implementations, each spoke 126 may be a solid piece ofmaterial.

As shown in FIG. 1A, in some implementations, the spokes 126 of a jointconnector 125 may be configured to be received within an interiorportion (not shown) of the cross beams 130 used to assemble a level 110of the rack 100. In this way, the cross beams 130 in conjunction withthe joint connectors 125 may form a portion of a frame (or supportstructure). In some implementations, the spokes 126 of a joint connector125 may be configured to be received within an interior portion of thevertically oriented legs 135 (see, e.g., FIG. 5A). In this way, thevertically oriented legs 135 in conjunction with the joint connectors125 may be used to connect multiple levels 110 of the rack 100 together(see, e.g., FIG. 5A). In some implementations, more than four or lessthan four connecters 125 may be used to assemble a single level 110 ofthe rack 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, a top panel 115 may havethe general shape of a rectangle. In some implementations, a top panel115 may be any suitable shape. In some implementations, the top panel115 may have a series of openings 116 extending therethrough (see, e.g.,FIG. 4). In this way, the openings 116 facilitates air exchange betweenthe interior of a tub 105 and the exterior environment (see, e.g., FIG.5B). In some implementations, the diameter of the openings 116 through atop panel 115 may be varied to regulate the humidity within a tub 105located underneath. In some implementations, the top panel 115 may beconfigured so that a portion of each longitudinal edge 117 may bereceived with the first longitudinal groove 142 of a glide 120.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in some implementations, a bracket 160 mayhave a lip 162 thereon. In some implementations, the bracket 160 may besecured to the cross beam 130 of a level 110 (see, e.g., FIG. 6A). Insome implementations, the bracket 160 may be oriented so that the lip162 rest against a portion of the forward edge 118 or rearward edge 119of the top panel 115 (see, e.g., FIG. 6A). In this way, the bracket 160may be used to reinforce the edges of the top panel 115 not receivedwithin a portion of the glide 120 (i.e., the forward edge 118 and/or therearward edge 119 of the top panel 115). This may prevent an animalhoused within a tub 105 located below the top panel 115 from being ableto push up an unsupported edge of the top panel 115 and thereby escape.In some implementations, a bracket 160 may be secured to the backside ofa cross beam 130 located on the backside of a rack 100 so that itprotrudes below a bottom side of the cross beam 130. In this way, thebracket 160 may act as an over travel stop for a tub 105 being insertedinto a glide 120 from a front side of the rack 100.

In some implementations, the glide 120 may be a single unitary piece. Insome implementations, the glide 120 may be injection molded as a singleunitary piece. In some implementations, the glide 120 may bemanufactured from a polymer material. In this way, the glide 120 may belighter than a glide manufactured from a metal.

In some implementations, the joint connector 125 may be injectionmolded. In this way, the joint connector 125 may be cheaper tomanufacture than a comparable machined joint connector. In someimplementations, the joint connector 125 may be manufactured from apolymer material. In this way, the joint connector 125 may be lighterthan a joint connector manufactured from a metal.

In some implementations, the top panel 115 may be injection molded. Inthis way, the top panel 115 may be cheaper to manufacture than acomparable machined top panel. In some implementations, the top panel115 may be manufactured from a polymer material.

In some implementations, shipping weight may be reduced by up to 40%when polymer injection molding, instead of metal (e.g., 300 seriesstainless steel), is used to make the components (e.g., the top panels115, glides 120, joint connectors 125, vertically oriented legs 135,and/or cross beams 130 described herein) of the rack 100 describedherein.

In some implementations, by using the top panels 115, glides 120, jointconnectors 125, vertically oriented legs 135, and/or cross beams 130described herein, the manufacturer may be able to ship the rackunassembled. In this way, the cost of shipping may be reduced.

In some implementations, by using the top panels 115, glides 120, jointconnectors 125, vertically oriented legs 135, and/or cross beams 130described herein, the end user may be able to assemble a rack with handtools (e.g., a mallet and/or a screw driver).

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or“implementation” or words of similar import means that a particulardescribed feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at leastone embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in someimplementations” or a phrase of similar import in various placesthroughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combinedin any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the abovedescription, numerous specific details are provided for a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in therelevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the inventioncan be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or withother methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown ordescribed in detail.

While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order,this should not be understood as requiring that such operations beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or thatall illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A rack for animal cages comprising: atleast a first enclosure having a floor, four exterior side walls, and alip extending outwardly from a top surface of at least two of the fourexterior side walls; at least a first top panel; at least two glides,each glide comprises a first longitudinal groove and a secondlongitudinal groove, the first longitudinal groove is configured toreceive a portion of the first top panel therein, the secondlongitudinal groove is configured to removably receive a portion of thelip extending outwardly from the top surface of the first enclosure; andat least a first bracket having a lip thereon, the lip extends from thefirst bracket at an angle perpendicular thereto and rest against thefirst top panel.
 2. The rack for animal cages of claim 1, wherein thefirst longitudinal groove of each glide comprises a first side wall, asecond side wall, and a back wall; and the second longitudinal groove ofeach glide comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, and a backwall.
 3. The rack for animal cages of claim 2, wherein the second sidewall of the first longitudinal groove and the second side wall of thesecond longitudinal groove of each glide are opposite sides of the samestructure.
 4. The rack for animal cages of claim 2, wherein the backwall of each first longitudinal groove is at a perpendicular anglerelative to the first side wall and the second side wall thereof; andthe back wall of each second longitudinal groove is at a perpendicularangle relative to the first side wall and second side wall thereof. 5.The rack for animal cages of claim 1, wherein a first glide ispositioned so that an opening defined by the first longitudinal groovethereof is facing an opening defined by the first longitudinal groove ofa second glide positioned across from the first glide.
 6. The rack foranimal cages of claim 5, wherein the first glide is positioned so thatan opening defined by the second longitudinal groove thereof is facingan opening defined by the second longitudinal groove of the second glidepositioned across from the first glide.
 7. The rack for animal cages ofclaim 1, further comprising a first horizontal cross beam; and a secondbracket having a lip thereon, the lip extends from the second bracket atan angle perpendicular thereto; wherein the second bracket is secured tothe first horizontal cross beam so that the lip protrudes from a bottomside of the first horizontal cross beam into the travel path of thefirst enclosure and thereby acts as an over travel stop for the firstenclosure.
 8. The rack for animal cages of claim 7, wherein the at leasttwo glides, the first bracket, and the second bracket are made ofinjection molded polymer.
 9. The rack for animal cages of claim 1,wherein the at least two glides and the first bracket are made ofinjection molded polymer.
 10. A rack for animal cages comprising: atleast one removable enclosure having a floor, four exterior side walls,and a lip extending outwardly from a top surface of at least two of thefour exterior side walls; at least one top panel; at least one crossbeam; at least a first bracket having a lip thereon and a second brackethaving a lip thereon, the lip of each bracket extends therefrom at anangle perpendicular thereto; wherein the lip of the first bracket restagainst the at least one top panel; and wherein the second bracket issecured to the cross beam so that the lip thereof protrudes below abottom side of the cross beam into the travel path of the at least oneremovable enclosure and thereby acts as an over travel stop for the atleast one removable enclosure.
 11. The rack for animal cages of claim10, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are made ofinjection molded polymer.
 12. A rack for animal cages comprising: atleast a first enclosure having a floor, four exterior side walls, and alip extending outwardly from a top surface of at least two of the fourexterior side walls; at least a first top panel; at least two glides,each glide comprises a first longitudinal groove and a secondlongitudinal groove, the first longitudinal groove is configured toreceive a portion of the first top panel therein, the secondlongitudinal groove is configured to removably receive a portion of thelip extending outwardly from the top surface of the first enclosure; atleast a first horizontal cross beam; and at least a first bracket havinga lip thereon, the lip extends from the first bracket at an angleperpendicular thereto; wherein the first bracket is secured to the firsthorizontal cross beam so that the lip thereof protrudes from a bottomside of the first horizontal cross beam into the travel path of thefirst enclosure and thereby acts as an over travel stop for the firstenclosure.
 13. The rack for animal cages of claim 12, wherein the firstlongitudinal groove of each glide comprises a first side wall, a secondside wall, and a back wall; and the second longitudinal groove of eachglide comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, and a back wall.14. The rack for animal cages of claim 13, wherein the second side wallof the first longitudinal groove and the second side wall of the secondlongitudinal groove of each glide are opposite sides of the samestructure.
 15. The rack for animal cages of claim 13, wherein the backwall of each first longitudinal groove is at a perpendicular anglerelative to the first side wall and the second side wall thereof; andthe back wall of each second longitudinal groove is at a perpendicularangle relative to the first side wall and the second side wall thereof.16. The rack for animal cages of claim 12, wherein a first glide ispositioned so that an opening defined by the first longitudinal groovethereof is facing an opening defined by the first longitudinal groove ofa second glide positioned across from the first glide.
 17. The rack foranimal cages of claim 16, wherein the first glide is positioned so thatan opening defined by the second longitudinal groove thereof is facingan opening defined by the second longitudinal groove of the second glidepositioned across from the first glide.
 18. The rack for animal cages ofclaim 12, further comprising a second bracket having a lip thereon, thelip extends from the second bracket at an angle perpendicular theretoand rest against the first top panel.
 19. The rack for animal cages ofclaim 18, wherein the at least two glides, the first bracket, and thesecond bracket are made of injection molded polymer.
 20. The rack foranimal cages of claim 12, wherein the at least two glides and the firstbracket are made of injection molded polymer.